By 1952 Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp character was behind him, his most satirical work (The Great Dictator, 1940) had dazzled audiences and the actor/director had well and truly passed his peak. In a cruel case of art imitating life, Limelight was a nostalgic look at declining fame and popularity – something that Chaplin was facing in reality. Fully intending it to be his last film Chaplin sank deep into the ocean of nostalgia and made a film that slaps audiences in the face with poignancy and the saccharine sweet taste of sentimentality.
Many have argued that the film is in fact a masterpiece – even Chaplin’s finest work – but it failed to impress contemporary audiences and its overly self-indulgent sentimentality actually negatively impacts on the power of the narrative. With the new Blu-ray transfer released today, after having another chance to re-evaluate the film it still remains one of the least effective Chaplin productions.
Many have argued that the film is in fact a masterpiece – even Chaplin’s finest work – but it failed to impress contemporary audiences and its overly self-indulgent sentimentality actually negatively impacts on the power of the narrative. With the new Blu-ray transfer released today, after having another chance to re-evaluate the film it still remains one of the least effective Chaplin productions.
- 3/28/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
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